Libous Convicted of Lying to FBI Agents

State Senator Thomas Libous has been found guilty of lying to FBI agents when they interviewed him in 2010.

The verdict in the federal trial in White Plains was announced Wednesday afternoon.

United States Attorney Preet Bhrara announced the indictment of Libous on July 1, 2014.

Libous had been questioned by the FBI agents who wanted to know about efforts he made to secure a job for his son, Matthew, at a Westchester County law firm.

Libous faces up to five years in prison for the conviction.

Sentencing is set for October.

Libous and his defense team have said they are weighing their options at this point but are disappointed with the jury’s decision.

Since he was convicted of a felony, Libous, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, must vacate his post.  The Republican majority is currently weighing its options for finding someone to represent the Southern Tier until an election can be held to put a new senator in the seat.

Democrat Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Republican Broome County Executive Debra Preston both expressed sadness at the verdict, noting the decades of service Libous has given to the community, especially securing state support for numerous agencies and programs.